Matt White – Best Days
Geffen Records (9/18/07)
Pop
Matt White’s debut album, Best Days, has a sound that shows that he could be the next Constantine in about three years. That’s exactly who I thought of when I heard this album, and it’s not a knock. Constantine put out a strong release with Everybody Loves, and their albums do sound similar. Even their backgrounds seem similar, as both come from musical backgrounds that show their passion for their craft and both have smooth falsettos. I like both their voices, but I actually enjoyed Constantine’s album a lot more.
“Miracles†is a sweet, hopeful track, and I can see how Matt could be considered a very romantic-based performer. In fact, he could build a career out of being the “go-to romance guy”, because every song is built on that strength. “Just What I’m Looking For†is something that I think Michael Bolton would have thought about cutting in the prime of his career if he could have pulled it off, but I feel like he could have saved this cut for another album. “Paradise†is a good track to end the album, as Matt’s pining, and ever so close to love on this record, and to success.
“Play†is cute—about not wanting to be in love because it makes him insane, but the song that should have really opened up the album was “Best Daysâ€. Matt’s voice suits him best in this pop-rock format and he can still be sexual and playful without sounding like he’s trying too hard. “I’ll Be There†is another solid single that is well-written in almost a sweet Coldplay flavor, and would be a good follow-up single to “Best Daysâ€.
“Moment of Weakness†is a honest track about messing up, falling off track and having that “moment†of screwing it up and trying to make it right. Out of all the tracks that surprised me, this was the one that took a step out of the “love love love!” box and I liked it for that reason. “Love†is extremely cute and sweet and something that I could understand why girls would smile to hear this dedicated to them. This song is the male equivalent of Colbie Caillat’s “Bubblyâ€. “New York Girls†reminded me so much of Constantine’s album that it distracts me from saying anything other than that.
I think Matt has a strong effort here, but his best days are yet to come.
Rating:
Constantine – Everybody Loves
Sixth Place Records (8/07/07)
Rock / Pop
Constantine kicks off his album with “Girl Like You†with its catchy pop-rock, built around waiting for that right girl. “Everybody Loves†is a good anthem for this year, and what I like about this album is that it’s fun-loving and is the “giving you a break from the world” album. Another fun song is “Favorite T-Shirt†where Constantine doesn’t even try to be cute. I loved the fact that this was about getting your shit back!
“Child of the Revolutionâ€, a T-Rex cover, confirms that Constantine has always proven to be such a strong throwback to retro rock. “Fading Into You†could have easily been a Bon Jovi pop record and he does a fantastic job by “by bringing this wasted world back into focus.†“Everybody Knows†knows how to show his vocal strengths with hookfilled choruses and this is one of the biggest examples. Once you hear this song a few times, you’re going to have it in your head for a while. “Sister, Sister†should make any non-believer realize that Constantine has the vocals to back his shit up.
“Thought It Was Something†could have been cut, mostly because it didn’t flow for the rest of the album. “So Long†is passionate and there’s something about Constantine, both emotionally and spirituality, in his voice that is constantly amplified when he sings. “Midnight Radio†goes out with the fun that this album was all about. He made a believer out of me with this record and I look forward to more from him in the future.
Rating:
Thank you for reading; make your moment your breakthrough.
